So how can we avoid this? How can we truly make a resolution that will stick?
There are several ways to help turn these resolutions into habits that then become processes and practices. It’s not easy but then, if it was, we would already be doing them.
The key to success is being realistic. The resolutions we make should be attainable. It may not be flashy but it’s time to “think small.” Don’t make five-year goals; start with goals that you can attain this year, that are realistic based on your current position and situation. While it’s still nice to dream and plan for the long-term future, resolutions are really about what we can improve/enhance now. Make your resolutions things that you know you could do if you worked on them every day. Be ambitious but…say it with me now…keep it realistic.
Another key to success is creating a plan of action. Much like resolving to be healthier and lose weight requires a diet and exercise plan, workplace resolutions need the same type of attention. A step-by-step strategy will definitely help. Not only will it help you set your tasks and goals in a logical manner but it’s also a tangible, concrete roadmap to how you can succeed. For example, if your goal is to connect more with peers and supervisors, develop a strategy to help you. It may involve getting to know them better, which can be accomplished during lunches or watercooler conversations. No matter your goal, a plan of action is vital to success.
No man is an island, as the saying goes. This applies to all aspects of life, but we can apply it to achieving success with resolutions. For the most part, we are not alone. We work with other people. We interact with them via phone, email and in-person. Utilizing some of these people to help with your resolutions is another helpful tip–use your network for encouragement. If possible, set goals together so you can help each other reach them. If you’re a lone wolf, this might be harder but there is usually someone around to help you. And, if not, try something new–email yourself as if you’re talking to someone else and discuss your goals there! Be creative but try to recruit some support.
One of the more crucial tricks to succeeding with a resolution is setting milestones. Set a reminder on your calendar or make a recurring meeting on a regular basis so you can stop and see how you’re doing. Are you keeping your resolution?
There’s nothing quite like an Outlook chime on your calendar telling you that you’ve got something scheduled to make you realize you…have something scheduled. Let it be a resolution milestone.
Finally, with these milestones, it’s important to keep perspective. Don’t be too harsh on yourself! Keep moving forward but if you find that you’re not making the progress you hoped, move forward anyway. Don’t talk yourself out of your resolution! Even if it’s two steps forward, one step back, you’re still one step ahead of where you were. If something is important enough for you to resolve to improve it, it’s worth the work.
New Year’s resolutions create a lot of pressure. This is why so many people don’t even bother with them. They know they’re not likely to stick, that they’re caught up in the tradition of the start of a new calendar. Yet it is a good time to think about moving forward precisely because it can be a fresh new start. On the other hand, resolutions should not just be limited to New Years. There is always room for improvement, to fix things we aren’t happy with both in the workplace or outside of it.
It’s not an easy task, to change habits and patterns. But be a rebel, vow to succeed!
Or make a resolution and use the tips above.
